In addition to world-class cafés, restaurants and shopping, the marina is home to some really fantastic bars. Here are some of the locals’ favorites that can give you a better feel for the neighborhood culture.

California Wine Merchant

In business since 1974, California Wine Merchant is a Marina mainstay and an excellent place to take a date. It’s operated as a bar and wine store and typically offers some of the rarer wines in the industry. It’s usually open late every day of the week and is often full of oenophiles, many of whom are also here to gorge on charcuterie. Call ahead to verify open hours, which are subject to change.

Causwells

Causwells has a rough, unfinished feel with unpainted walls, simple wood banquettes and granite inlaid wooden tables. Ostensibly, it’s a restaurant, but it’s a popular bar as well. It’s especially good for local wines and a wide range of bottle beers.

Horseshoe Tavern

The Horseshoe Tavern is one of only a few establishments in San Francisco to have earned legacy status — just for being in business so long. But, refreshingly, it doesn’t make a big deal out of it. It’s got the historic architecture and ceiling beams, but aside from that it’s just a straightforward, no-nonsense dive bar that’s a pleasure to visit.

Reed & Greenough

One for the cocktail connoisseurs, Reed & Greenough is an upmarket place for classic and experimental drinks. Highlights include the Moscow Beret (vodka, raspberries, lime juice, balsamic vinegar and beer) and Braveheart (Scotch, ginger, home-hived honey, lemon and bitters). Try these drinks if they’re on the menu for the day.

The Tipsy Pig

Locals dig the party vibe at The Tipsy Pig, where patrons are welcome to sit outside on the patio and soak up their surroundings. There’s a wide range of draft beers, each available in three sizes (10-ounce “piglet,” 15-ounce pint or 20-ounce “tipsy pig”), as well as a foodie menu with the likes of ale-braised pulled pork and prosciutto-wrapped scallops. Locals often come for one of the signature drinks, such as the Eighty-Eight cocktail of rum, ginger beer, lime, orange and maraschino liqueur.

The Interval at Long Now

For a more unusual drinking experience, locals head to The Interval at the Long Now Foundation, a bar with an orrery at the entrance. The idea was to create a timeless space for intellectuals to share ideas, and it was partially Kickstarter-funded. In-keeping with the theme, the cocktail menu itself skips through time and space to forgotten versions of age-old classics. There’s the martini from Saxon + Parole in New York, for example, made with olive-infused vermouth and olive oil.

Make a stop at one of these marina bars part of your next visit to the area. Whether your preference leans toward the elegant or casual, there’s a great spot for you to enjoy in the Marina District.